A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact subsection 1 of section 57-02-08.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the homestead tax credit; and to provide an effective date.
HB 1335 would expand North Dakota’s homestead tax credit for qualifying homeowners who are age 62 or older or permanently and totally disabled. The bill raises the income thresholds used to determine eligibility and the size of the property tax reduction. Under the proposal, homeowners with income up to $70,000 would receive a full reduction in taxable valuation of up to $9,000, and those with income above $70,000 but not above $100,000 would receive a 50% reduction up to $4,500 in taxable valuation.
The bill also keeps existing rules that limit the credit to one exemption for spouses or dependents living together, allow co-owners who are not spouses or dependents to share the exemption by ownership interest, and preserve the exemption for certain homeowners temporarily absent due to nursing home, hospital, or other care-facility confinement. It would take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.
HB 1335 would amend section 57-02-08.1 of the North Dakota Century Code, changing the state’s homestead tax credit eligibility and benefit levels. It would increase the age threshold from 65 to 62, broaden the income range for partial and full relief, and increase the maximum taxable-valuation reductions available to qualifying homeowners. The bill would affect local property tax assessments by reducing taxable valuation for eligible homesteads, while leaving special assessments unchanged.
No committee testimony or recorded votes were provided, so there is no detailed discussion record to gauge support or opposition. The bill’s introduction and eventual failure suggest it did not advance, but the available materials do not show whether that was due to fiscal concerns, policy disagreement, or procedural reasons. On its face, the proposal appears aimed at expanding tax relief for older and disabled homeowners, which is typically framed as a benefit to fixed- and moderate-income residents.
The main policy points likely to generate debate are the broader eligibility age, the higher income limits, and the larger property tax reductions, all of which would increase the number of homeowners receiving relief and potentially reduce local tax base revenue. Supporters would likely emphasize affordability for seniors, disabled residents, and homeowners with moderate incomes, while opponents would likely focus on the fiscal cost to local governments and the state’s willingness to expand a targeted tax preference. Because no transcripts are available, specific named advocates or critics cannot be identified.